Podcaster James Altucher made waves a couple weeks ago when he published a coronavirus-themed “Why I’m Leaving New York” essay to LinkedIn in which he boldly declared that “New York Is Dead Forever.” As you might imagine, that didn’t go over to well with many of the New Yorkers who have stuck by their city in its time of need — including none other than Jerry Seinfeld, who was so outraged by the essay that he penned a response in the New York Times.
“This is one of the toughest times we’ve had in quite a while,” Seinfeld wrote. “But one thing I know for sure: The last thing we need in the thick of so many challenges is some putz on LinkedIn wailing and whimpering, ‘Everyone’s gone! I want 2019 back!’”
“Oh, shut up,” he continued. “Imagine being in a real war with this guy by your side. Listening to him go, ‘I used to play chess all day. I could meet people. I could start any type of business.’ Wipe your tears, wipe your butt and pull it together.”
Seinfeld also took issue with the notion that there will be a mass exodus from New York now that more people are able to work remotely.
“Real, live, inspiring human energy exists when we coagulate together in crazy places like New York City,” he wrote. “Feeling sorry for yourself because you can’t go to the theater for a while is not the essential element of character that made New York the brilliant diamond of activity it will one day be again.”
You can read Seinfeld’s full response here.
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